As Miss World Guyana Nuriyyih Gerrard continues with preparation for the international leg of the pageant, Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock on Thursday presented her with an Indigenous outfit to be used in the cultural segment of the pageant.
The presentation, which included the handing over of a quantity of indigenous craft to compliment the costume was done by the minister on behalf of the Surama Culture Group of the North Rupununi.
Nuriyyih, offering gratitude said, “I know we are a very diverse nation so I immediately thought about featuring an Indigenous dance when I was informed that we have to produce a performance of that nature, as part of the dance of the world aspect of the Miss World Pageant.”
She said a subsequent meeting with Allicock bore much fruit. “It was quite timely as the Suruma Culture Group had just returned from a performance in Trinidad and we were able to meet.”
During the meeting, she was also able to consult with the cultural group on aspects of traditional dances.
“They tutored me on the dance so I took some footage of it and still practice in my spare time to ensure that I’m completely prepared to do Guyana proud and of course represent the Indigenous culture well on the international stage,” she said.
She expressed her appreciation for the support she has received from the Guyanese public thus far, and looks forward to it continuing during the pageant.
“Every element of the competition matters… They want to ensure that the girl gets the support from her entire country… I know we are six races strong… We are one people at the end of the day so I’m really counting on you Guyana. I’m doing my best and I can’t win this or do this all alone so I need your assistance,” she added.
The minister pledged his support for Nuriyyih as she continues her journey to representing Guyana on the international stage.
“We are pleased that we can present these to you for your performance and we know that you will do us very well out there among the other beauties. So congratulations and all the best,” Allicock said.
The Surama Culture Group has been building its brand over the years as one of the most recognized Indigenous culture groups in Guyana and has been a fixture during the annual Indigenous Heritage activities.
Nuriyyih, an actress and radio show host, is one of 119 beauties contesting for the coveted Miss World 2016 Crown. The 69th edition of the pageant is slated for December 18 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland, USA. Spain’s Mireia Lalaguna will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Nuriyyih’s journey to the December 18, pageant can be followed on her Miss World Fan page on Facebook.
